Tears fall like water, rocking back and forth in the small vessel down the Mississippi, while Hurray for the Riff Raff’s Alynda Lee Segarra sings beautifully. With their fifth album release, Small Town Heroes, Segarra sings of wisdom and travels in an Americana medley, through the rich culture of New Orleans.
At the age of 17, Segarra broke away from her Bronx roots and ventured out west. After settling in Louisiana, she began playing washboard and singing with a local group of musicians. According to the bands bio, “It wasn’t until Segarra got to New Orleans that she realized playing music was even possible.”
The underdog grossed international attention with ‘Look Out Mamma’ in 2012, which received praise from NPR, New York Times, Mojo and Paste. Likewise, Segarra triumphed after tugging on the heartstrings of fans at the 2013 Newport Folk Festival. Segarra is not alone in her “Small Town” adventure. Lifelong friend and fiddle player, Yosi Perlstein, keyboardist Casey McAllister, guitarist Sam Doores and bassist Dan Cutler accompany the light strumming on eloquent tunes, like “Crash on the Highway” and “Blue Ridge Mountain.”
“Good Time Blues” is a noteworthy tracks, for its sheer simplicity and power. Brushes on the snare drum sway with twang of electric steel guitar and a rocking-chair blues chord progression. Segarra sings, “I been hangin’ by a thread / I been losin’ what I had / Now I’m startin’ to believe/ that the good times are done for me,” spaced with soothing melody rooted in her own soul.
Small Town Heroes is down-home yet triumphant. It’s the perfect rainy day music, so grab a cup of tea and give it a spin.